First phase of Certified Pick: A major step in the digitalisation of container transport

As of today, 60% of the containers collected daily at the deep-sea terminals in the Antwerp port use a new data platform, Certified Pick up (CPu). This launch marks a major milestone in the digital transformation of container handling and transport. The next step will follow soon, with other users gradually migrating to CPu over the coming weeks. The platform should be fully deployed by the end of January.

Every day, around 2,500 containers are handled at the deep-sea terminals in the port. The release and collection of a container involves several parties: ship agents, terminals, transport companies (truck, rail, barge) and services such as customs. The launch of Certified Pick-up (CPu) is a key moment in the digitalisation of this logistics chain, a transition that the entire port community has been working on. The system contributes to a safer, more transparent and more efficient container process.

This new way of working requires changes in the way many companies operate. A phased approach has therefore been chosen. This spreads the pressure on users to register, giving them more time to prepare. 60% of all unloaded containers are being collected via CPu. The system is working well but will be continuously monitored during this launch phase. The feedback received from those using the system is acted upon immediately. As a result, we are currently working on solutions that will further improve the performance of the system.

Over the next few weeks, other users will gradually migrate to CPu. We aim to be 100% live by the end of the month. Throughout this transition period, we will continue to work closely with the port community. In order to ensure a smooth transition, we ask all stakeholders, including but not limited to shipping companies, ship agents, container terminals, forwarders and logistics companies, barge and rail operators and trucking companies, to register and transfer pick-up rights all the way to the transport operators. Nearly 3,500 companies have now registered on the platform, two-thirds of which are foreign companies, with a total of 16,000 unique users. ​